For people who have trouble getting a home-equity loan, such equity deals are an alternative to unsecured loans, such as personal loans or peer-to-peer loans, which can have higher interest rates. With about $1 million in equity in their home, the Bells were willing to give up some profit from the sale of their home in the future. They didn’t want to refinance or get a home-equity credit line because they wanted to cut their debt and monthly payments, Ms. Bell says. “We’re very pleased with the whole situation,” she says. “It put us in a better position financial- and credit-wise and comfort-wise.”

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-hidden-cash-in-your-assets-1493085902